Dog Park Rules and Regulations

Rules and Regulations

1. Members must purchase a permit each calendar year at Schererville Town Hall, 10 E. Joliet Street. Memberships run on a calendar year basis (January 1 through December 31). Proof of current vaccinations is required. Rabies, DHPP (Distemper, Hepatits, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus), Bordatella (not mandatory but strongly recommended.
   • Annual Membership for Schererville Residents: $60 – one dog; $15 Per each additional dog
   • Annual Non-Resident Membership: $100 – -one dog; $25 per each additional dog.
   • Replacement Card: $10 if card is lost or damaged. 
   • Park Hours: 8:30a.m. to Dusk
   • Weight Regulations: Dogs 26 lbs and larger must use large run area. Dogs less than 26 lbs. are required to use small dog area.
2. Only two (2) dogs per adult are allowed at one time. Both dogs must remain in same run area with owner. Owners cannot leave dogs in run areas without owner supervision.
3. Dogs must be leashed until inside run area. Maximum leash length is 6’. No prong or pinch collars are allowed. Only buckle or stretch collars are permitted within the dog park for the dog’s safety.
4. Children 11 and under are not allowed in run areas. Children 12 through 16 must be accompanied by an adult and are not to be left unattended in run areas.
5. Dogs must display current rabies tags.
6. Unhealthy dogs or those dogs in season are not allowed in the dog park.
7. It is recommended that dogs are on a regular flea and tick treatment in spring, summer, and fall.
8. Dogs under six (6) months of age are not permitted in the park.
9. Perpetual barking is not allowed as this is a nuisance to members and surrounding neighbors. If your dog will not stop barking for whatever reason, you must leave the dog park.
10. Dogs that exhibit aggressive behavior must be removed from the dog park immediately. Offenders of this policy will lose their dog park privileges. Do not permit your dog to run to the gate when another dog is entering. Keep gate area clear so that members can enter and exit without incident.
11. Owners must clean up after their dog(s). Bags and waste receptacles are available.
12. Food, glass containers, smoking or chewing of tobacco, and alcohol are not allowed on the dog park premises. Small bite sized training treats are permitted.
13. Bicyclists, skateboarders, roller skaters, roller blading, and all other motorized or human-propelled devices (except wheelchairs) are prohibited within the large and small dog areas of the park.
14. Owners are legally responsible for their dogs and any injuries or damage caused by their dogs.
15. Only registered dogs and their owners displaying a key card are allowed into the dog park. Please encourage others to pick up a packet at the Town and register to become a member.
16. Report “fence jumpers” to Animal Control. The Animal Control phone number is: (219)865-6992.
17. Animal abuse will not be tolerated and will be reported to the Police Department.
18. Pursuant to Lake County Ordinance #1244F: Pit Bull and Pit Bull mixes are prohibited from participating in unleashed dog parks. Consequently, Pit Bull and Pit Bull mixes are not permitted to be in the dog park.

Precautions and Etiquette

Please Remember: Children 11 and under are not allowed in dog run areas.

• Dogs are unpredictable and feisty. Often dogs do not respond well to people running and yelling. Also, all visitors should always ask the handler before petting a strange dog.
• Entering and exiting a dog park is stressful and exciting for even the most well behaved dogs. Please allow others space to enter and exit before you do. Be sure to securely close all gates behind you.
• After entering the dog park, let your dog off the leash. Leashed dogs feel threatened when they are around unleashed dogs. If you are uncomfortable with letting your dog off leash, do not visit the park. Prong and choke collars must be removed. 
• Supervise your dog at all times. When a new dog enters the park, be aware of where your dog is. Don’t allow dogs to congregate around the entrance. Owner must carry one leash in hand per dog (maximum two dogs per person).
• If your dog starts to mount, you must immediately discourage this activity to avoid any aggression problems from other dogs, or leave the park.
• Dog fights are rare, but if one does occur, the best method to break it up is to grab both dogs’ hind legs and direct them in opposite directions. Block any eye contact the dogs make with each other. Dogs that remain unruly or aggressive must be immediately removed from the park.
• If your dog injures another dog or owner, be sure to give your name and phone number to the injured party. You are legally and financially responsible for your dog’s actions and any harm it causes to others. See Dog Incident Policy Below.
• Pick up your dog’s droppings. You must carry extra bags with you. Bags and waste receptacles are also available.
• Be respectful of other dogs and their owners. Do not allow your dog to be a nuisance to other dogs and their owners.
• Dog agility equipment and dog toys are for use by dogs – not for use by owners or handlers.

Dog Incident Policy

Our Rules and Etiquette are designed to help minimize the change for a dog incident. However, should an incident occur, here is our policy and recommended action to be taken by dog owners. 

• Separate and leash the dogs.
• Remove dogs to neutral area.
• Inspect dogs for any injury.
• Exchange names and phone numbers.
• Obtain names and phone numbers of any witnesses.

In the event the Schererville Park Department is notified, Schererville parks Department has the express right to release the names and phone numbers of parties.
You are legally and financially responsible for the action of your dog(s).
The Perry Ferrini Dog Park and the Schererville Park Department reserve the right to revoke park privileges to any member who fails to follow park rules and etiquette or where it is determined a member dog or dog owner is dangerous to others or in violation of any applicable animal ordinances or regulations.